The Impostor Syndrome Files

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about breaking free from adopting others’ personas and embracing our own. Many of us have found ourselves impersonating those around us, either because we lacked the confidence to be our true selves, or we were told, implicitly or explicitly, that we had to behave in certain ways to fit into the culture around us. My guest this week, Danielle Droitsch, an executive coach and former non-profit leader, shares how she went from mimicking her mentor’s style to integrating her own strengths and embracing her own style. We also talk about using the approach of experimentation to test out new behaviors, including speaking up and sharing your ideas.About My GuestDanielle Droitsch is an Executive and Leadership Coach who empowers high-achieving and purpose-driven professionals to discover their superpowers, love their work, lead with confidence, and achieve the life of well-being they deserve. She firmly believes it is possible to love your career. Yet, a significant portion of the global workforce remains disengaged. Eight years ago, as a senior leader at a national nonprofit, she overcame burnout and disengagement transforming how she approached work. Since then, she has helped hundreds of professionals regain confidence and strength in their careers. Her mission is dedicated to helping people uncover their "secret sauce" to feeling successful and energized at work once again.~Connect with Danielle:Career Clarity Journey: 8 Questions For Fulfillment, Well-being and Impact https://mailchi.mp/7b47af821797/3jwkmtvr4y LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielledroitsch/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about how to create a meaningful “now” in the midst of everything going on in the world around us. With the upcoming election here in the US, volatility across the world and constant negativity on social media and the news, how do we get back on track and shift our attention to building a better now? This week, I talk with Greg Bennick, keynote speaker and author of the book, Reclaim the Moment: Seven Strategies to Build a Better Now. Here we talk about steps we can all take to embrace optimism, positivity and kindness in an increasingly negative world. We also talk about ways in which teams can use these ideas collectively to create more engagement and inclusion. About My GuestGreg Bennick is a comedic keynote speaker and presenter who shares strategies about juggling a world of distractions to enhance individual performance and drive organizational success. He has been traveling the world entertaining, uplifting, listening to, and learning from people for the last three decades. His work centers around the very human experiences we all share in common amidst a world that continually pulls us apart. Greg is the Executive Director of international humanitarian nonprofit One Hundred For Haiti and is also the first international speaking coach for TEDxPerth Australia. He has spoken in twenty-seven countries worldwide, including the first-ever spoken word tour by an American of all of Ukraine and Russia!~Connect with Greg:Website: gregbennick.com Instagram: @gregbennick LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbennick/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the fear of flourishing. Many of us grew up in families where we were made to feel that chasing our dreams meant getting too big for our britches. Or we’ve been afraid that if we become too successful, we’ll lose our friends or our community. My guest this week, Rebecca Anne Nguyen, author of the new novel, The 23rd Hero, shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt as she pivoted to novel writing. She also shares strategies for addressing our fears of flourishing so that we can live our best lives.About My GuestRebecca Anne Nguyen (she/her) is the author of The 23rd Hero, a 2024 Reader's Choice Award winner for Best Adult Novel (Bronze). She is also the co-author of the Foreword Award-winning memoir, Where War Ends. Her writing has been published in the New York Times, Insider, and Slackjaw, among others. She lives in Milwaukee.~Connect with Rebecca:Website: https://rebeccaannenguyen.com Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/23rd-Hero-Rebecca-Anne-Nguyen/dp/B0D3WKVP3X/ Book on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-23rd-hero-rebecca-anne-nguyen/21450318?ean=9798989593415~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about building stronger relationships with ourselves. We often think we know ourselves well but, in reality, we’re too busy living and reacting to the demands around us to notice the way our thoughts, feelings and actions influence our experience in the world. My guest this week is Pallavi Srivastava, executive coach and author of the book, Relationship with the Self. In addition to discussing the importance of strengthening our relationships with ourselves, we also talk about how to better understand our inner critics and what to do to manage them more effectively.About My GuestWith 18 years of supporting people to thrive in their careers and lives as a therapist and coach, Pallavi partners with organizations and leaders to elevate their effectiveness, performance and resilience for sustainable results.Pallavi's diverse 18+ years of career journey includes closely collaborating with executives in multifaceted roles. In her professional stint 1.0 as business journalist she worked with CEOs and other c-suite leaders asking tough questions. Her personal experience with burnout inspired her to pivot to stint 2.0 as a workplace well-being therapist. In her present role as CEO of The Wellbeing Ways LLC and a Leadership Coach, Pallavi partners with leaders, scientists and start-up founders on topics like self-leadership, presence, resilience, conflict management, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, etc. She has guided leaders towards their highest potential and sustainable high performance.Her book 'Relationship with the Self,' underscores her commitment and expertise in fostering self-leadership and thriving. Pallavi has coached leaders across the world and industries for over 1000 coaching hours and with results that have earned consistent re-engagement of her services. ~Connect with Pallavi:Coaching/workshop engagement queries: pallavi@thewellbeingways.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavisrivastava/Website: https://thewellbeingways.com Book Links:Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Self-Pallavi-Srivastava/dp/1032160039Routledge: https://www.routledge.com/Relationship-with-the-Self-Actionable-Inputs-for-Personal-Growth-and-Change/Srivastava/p/book/9781032160030~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about the pressures facing introverts. Many introverts believe that they need to be more extroverted in order to achieve success in the workplace. As a result, they exhaust themselves by trying to be someone they’re not. My guest this week, Kimberly Charvet, shares how she went from growing up with extrovert envy to recognizing that her introversion is actually a superpower. Here she shares insights and strategies to help other introverts do the same.About My GuestMeet Kimberly Charvet! Wife, mom to a blended family of 5, avid reader, organization nerd and obsessed with all things The Grinch! With 25+ years in Corporate America leadership experience and 20 years in Direct Sales as a life-long introvert she's found her passion for helping other introverted women in business to succeed. As the founder of Quiet Spark Coaching - Business & Life Coaching for introverted women, Kimberly helps women to increase their profits by helping them to achieve their top three goals over one year. She offers one-on-one coaching, workshops on planning for your business, and masterclasses on networking and discovering your purpose.~Connect with Kimberly:Website: https://www.kimberlycharvet.com MeetUp: https://www.meetup.com/introverted-women-meetup-group/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/quietsparkcoaching Email: kimberly@quietsparkcoaching.com~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about hidden leaders. Hidden leaders, according to my guest, Ali Wilson, possess traits that make them great leaders but, paradoxically, also keep them from reaching higher levels of leadership. Here we discuss the ways in which we overvalue confidence, and even narcissism, which holds hidden leaders back. We also explore ways that hidden leaders can emerge from the shadows. Ali also offers one of my favorite reframes of impostor syndrome.About My GuestAlison Wilson’s journey from chemical engineering to executive coaching has been driven by a passion for unlocking leadership potential in those who may not see it in themselves.In every organization she has worked with, she has come across talented leaders who feel trapped in roles below the level of their capability and ambition. She has come to realize that for many, the traits that keep them stuck are the very same traits that ultimately make them exceptional leaders. It's a paradox that harms everyone, leading to organizations where the most capable people are not the decision makers and results are delivered in spite of leadership, not because of it. She has developed the Hidden Leaders program to empower these individuals to recognize their talent, amplify their impact and progress to the leadership roles where their true potential can be realized.~Connect with Ali:Website: https://www.hidden-leader.co.uk/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about navigating self-doubt as an “only”. My guest this week, Carrie Driscoll, is the co-founder of Reef Consulting. Here she shares her career journey from winning a college scholarship as the only female in computer science to working in software startups to eventually founding her on consulting firm. Carrie shares how she navigates self-doubt and offers tips and strategies we can all use to show up more confidently at work.About My GuestWith over two decades of experience in Agile coaching, project management, and change management, Carrie Driscoll co-founded Reef Consulting to help organizations achieve quality, speed, growth, scalability, and innovation. As the president of Reef Consulting, Carrie leads a team of agile experts who provide executive coaching, strategic guidance, digital transformation, and change management to fortune 100 clients across various industries.Carrie holds multiple certifications in agile methodologies, including Scrum@Scale, Scaled Agile Framework Program Consultant (SPC), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and ICAgile Certified Practitioner (ICP). Carrie is passionate about empowering high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and delivering value to customers and stakeholders. Carrie also enjoys sharing her insights and best practices as an entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor in the Agile community.~Connect with Carrie:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-driscoll-3458552/ Website: https://reefconsultingllc.com/~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about middle management. Many of us don’t like to think of ourselves this way but if you’re responsible for managing up and down, you’re likely a middle manager. My guest this week is Jeff Sigel, author of the book The Middle Matters, a Toolkit for Middle Managers. Jeff argues that middle managers are actually doing three roles at once – doing, leading and influencing. But they’re not often given proper guidance on how to effectively perform and balance these roles. Here we talk about the challenges facing middle managers and what you can do to become a more confident, effective leader.About My GuestJeff Sigel is a Strategy, Business Intelligence and Marketing leader with over 20 years of experience across the Food Manufacturing, Grocery Retail, and Restaurant industries. His focus is on helping companies go beyond PowerPoint strategies, ensuring that there is alignment between strategic planning, brand building, analytics, and leadership behaviors at every level. Jeff is particularly passionate about helping middle leaders learn the skills they need to deliver results, build engaged teams, and realize bold visions for the future.~Connect with Jeff:Website: www.proprioceptive.io/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TwinningStrategy~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about balancing work with career management. Many women tend to struggle with prioritizing their own career growth because they’re too focused on the needs of the business. This week, I talk with Marja Wagenaar, a leadership specialist, former member of parliament in the Netherlands and author of “The Leadership Book for Women”. Here we discuss the ways in which we hold ourselves back by doing silent work without recognition, hesitating to raise our hands for new opportunities and focusing too heavily on being a “good girl”. We also explore her 50/50 method, which is designed to break these habits so that you can more confidently and effectively advance your career.About My GuestMarja Wagenaar PhD is a leadership expert. With her company Leadershipint. she helps leaders and their organizations to advance their strength worldwide. She developed the 50/50 method: a successful approach for female leaders and all those women who aspire to become a leader. ~Connect with Marja:Book: https://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Book-Women-Marja-Wagenaar/dp/9089657223Website: https://www.leadershipint.com/ ~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com

In this episode of the Impostor Syndrome Files, we talk about people management. Whether or not you manage people today, you likely know that it’s a tough job! Not only do you have responsibility for a team of people who are relying on you but you’ve likely gotten very little training and support on how to lead them effectively. My guest this week is Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity and consulting psychologist who specializes in human-centered leadership development. Here we talk about the challenges facing people leaders, how to evaluate whether or not you want to manage people and what you can do to show up more confidently in the role.About My GuestDr. Cree Scott, founder and CEO of Serenity, is an esteemed consulting psychologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in human-centered leadership development through a change management lens. With a robust background in clinical psychology, consulting, and executive coaching, she excels in creating customized leadership development programs for a diverse range of industries, leveraging evidence-based practices for impactful learning and growth. Dr. Scott combines the rigor of psychology with a strengths-based approach to drive organizational change and personal breakthroughs in leadership.~Connect with Cree:Website: www.serenitypsyhealth.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creescott/ LinkedIn Learning: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/facilitating-safe-authentic-communication-as-a-leader/guiding-principles-for-safe-space-conversations~Connect with Kim and The Impostor Syndrome Files:Join the free Impostor Syndrome Challenge:https://www.kimmeninger.com/challengeLearn more about the Leading Humans discussion group:https://www.kimmeninger.com/leadinghumansgroupJoin the Slack channel to learn from, connect with and support other professionals: https://forms.gle/Ts4Vg4Nx4HDnTVUC6Join the Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/leadinghumansSchedule time to speak with Kim Meninger directly about your questions/challenges: https://bookme.name/ExecCareer/strategy-sessionConnect on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeninger/Website:https://kimmeninger.com